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68 North Church Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 Phone: (717) 738-2465 Fax: (717) 738-3955 office@ephratafirst.org |
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First Church Staff
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Walter Carter - Lead Pastor
Email:walter@ephratafirst.org or wscartersun@msn.com |
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Matt Ross - Student Ministry & Leadership Development Email:matt@ephratafirst.org Matt Ross - Matt joined the staff in August of 2007 as the Youth Pastor, before that he interned under Dave Coryell for four years here at First Church. He has received his Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Messiah College in 2004. He received his Masters of Divinity from Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2008. He is presently pursuing Ordination in the United Methodist Church. Matt is originally from New Jersey, where his parents still reside. Matt can be seen doing who knows what, who knows where! He also works at Horst Auction Center in his copious free time! His passion for youth stems back when he was brought to a youth group and now wants to impact students the way his youth pastor impacted his life. |
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Scott Byrom - Worship Arts Email:scott@ephratafirst.org After stints in journalism, teaching, and acting, Scott came to First Church in 2001 to be the new Director of Worship Arts. He graduated from Asbury College in Kentucky, then completed graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, and the University of South Dakota, where he earned his M.A. in music. He oversees the music, drama, creative arts, and technology ministries for the church, while coordinating the worship planning team, leading the praise band and directing various choirs. Scott loves movies; all kinds of music; being outside, especially if it involves mountain and road biking; and spending time with his wife, Lisa, and two children, Joshua and Emma. |
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Barb Foster - Adult Faith Formation Email:barb@ephratafirst.org Barb has been serving on First Church staff since April of 2000 after being actively involved as a volunteer for a number of years. Her first responsibilities focused on lay mobilization, but continued to expand and develop into her current role in adult faith formation. In her spare time Barb enjoys reading and staying connected with her husband Bob, three married children and seven grandchildren! Barb graduated from Cornell University with a degree (BA) in Mathematics and worked in the Data Processing field for a few years before taking time off to be a full-time mom while their children were growing up. |
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Karen Todd - Children's Ministry Email:karen@ephratafirst.org Karen joined the staff in April of 2009, sharing with us her passion for children’s ministries and her extensive leadership experience as Christian Education Director and Children’s Minister at various UMC churches in Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Lancaster Counties over the past 20 years. She is an active volunteer and leader in various organizations, Board member of a local preschool, a before school program for inner-city Lancaster children, and LUMINA. Karen’s focus is implementing and directing programs and ministries for the spiritual development of infants through sixth grade. Karen is a Business Administration graduate of Grove City College and worked in the corporate banking world for 25 years. Karen and her husband, Jim, have two daughters, Lauren, a local artist, and Kristin, a student at George Washington University. Karen loves good books, music, biking, and camping with her family. |
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Carol Denlinger - Office Manager Email:carol@ephratafirst.org Carol has been with First Church since December of 2004 as the office manager. In her spare time, Carol enjoys walking, reading and spending time with her family. Carol is married to Beanie and is the mother of three daughters, Lindsey, Lauren and Lia. |
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Tina Snader - Children's Choir Director Tina has been with First Church since 1997. She graduated from Millersville University in 1993 with a BSE in Music Education and from Penn State University in 2001 with a Masters in Teaching and Curriculum. She serves as director of the Cherub Choir (age 3 to kindergarten) and the Music Maker's (grades 1 to 5). In addition, she teaches Sunday School and directs Vacation Bible School. When not at church she enjoys spending family time with her husband (Bryan) and her 3 children (Jessica, Jarod and Julia). |
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Ron Gardiner - Organist Ron graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors in Music Education, and came to Ephrata First with over 35 years experience in music and church ministry. He's been a High School Band Director, as well as Organist, Director, and Accompanist for many churches and choruses. Ron is currently a District Sales Manager for Pearl River Piano Company, the world's largest piano factory, travelling a six state area. Ron and his wife, Robbie Sue, have 3 grown children - Hal, Ron Jr., and Johanna. In his spare time, he enjoys "surfing the net" for interesting information about music, and visiting his 5 grandchildren. |